25. Natalie
TWENTY-FIVE
natalie
“I still can’t believe Mazzie is married,” I said to Charlee, who had just finished a movie. Wiggling in my seat after five hours of flying, with a few more to go, I looked up the aisle for a flight attendant. I could really use a drink.
That had been one hell of a patch of turbulence.
“Right? Wedding in Sicily. Honeymoon in Greece. Does it get any more romantic than that?”
I took a peek at Lucas to see what he thought about all of the wedding talk, but he was watching a movie of his own, apparently none the wiser to our conversation. Nate and Zoe had gone back yesterday.
“So when exactly do we switch to our time zone? Is there an imaginary line in the sky?”
“Good question,” Charlee asked. “Honestly I have no idea.”
I could text someone to ask what time it was back home.
I could text him.
After all, we had in-flight WiFi. And he had told me to let him know I landed safely. I could tell Jax I was safely in the sky instead.
Question. What time is it there?
Charlee leaned over to look at my phone. “Figured.”
“What?” I said defensively. “I’m curious where it changes time.”
“And that was the only way you could figure it out?”
“Well, I can’t search for the answer. Only messaging works.”
“I bet the flight attendant knows.”
Good point.
“Admit it. You’re totally into him.”
Oh, I was into him all right.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I’d been denying it since he left. Problem was, Charlee wasn’t buying it. With good reason. Apparently our chemistry, was pretty noticeable at the reception.
“So what are you gonna do Tuesday?”
I’d told Charlee about our conversation yesterday morning, the only thing that marred an absolutely incredible weekend. As Jax, said, the best of my life.
“Talk about it, I guess. Remind him of the bet.” I didn’t like the look Charlee gave me. “What? You think I should let him off the hook?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“But you’re thinking it.”
“Not necessarily. But you do realize what you’re asking him to give up? It’s a lot of money. And the environmental impact is negligible. Your words.”
I had told Charlee too much. Sometimes I should keep my mouth shut.
“I’d love to talk to you about this, but someone’s texting me.”
“Uh huh.”
Charlee shook her head and popped her headphones back on, flipping through the movies once again.
Five thirty. Why?
I was just curious where the time zone actually changes.
What time is it for you?
Two thirty. So it must change incrementally as we fly.
Right. With the . . . time zones.
Smart-ass
Guilty as charged. How’s the flight?
Long
Yeah, coming back is a bitch. You’ll be wiped tonight.
Tonight. I’d love nothing more than to screw the jetlag, and our bet, and head right from the airport to Jax’s place. Since he left, there was a huge void that I’d never expected. Nor wanted. But it was there nonetheless.
For sure
What I wanted, and what had to be, were two different things.
Miss me?
How was he reading my mind? Freaky.
Not even a little.
Liar
This was bad. Really, really bad.
Do you miss me?
His answer was immediate.
Yes
Heart pounding, I thought about how to respond. Thankfully, little text bubbles appeared so I didn’t have to think too hard.
I miss talking to you. Touching you. Tasting you.
Holy hell, this man was something else.
Maybe I miss that a little.
He sent a wink emoji.
Tell me what you miss most.
This was getting interesting for sure.
Waking up to the feel of your hands exploring every inch of my body.
Now, there was some honesty. This morning when I woke up and Jax wasn’t tucked in beside me, his fingers brushing over the curve of my hip as I lay on my side, I literally groaned in frustration.
I love exploring your body. Hope to do more of it soon.
Fuck it. Here went nothing.
Until you leave.
Silence. So there we had it. I wasn’t stupid enough to think the land was the only thing between us. Even if I gave in, something that went against everything I believed, it would be for nothing. Jax would be leaving Kitchi Falls soon, never to return. Without the land purchase, there was no reason for him to.
Text bubbles.
Give me a reason to stay.
My heart slammed against my rib cage. Did we suddenly lose cabin pressure? I couldn’t breathe. Did he really just type that? What did it mean, exactly?
Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
Stay? As in, another week or two?
I tapped Charlee’s shoulder. She took off her headphones, and I shoved the phone in front of her, pointing to the last few messages. When she finished reading them, she looked up.
“Holy shit, Nat.”
“I know.” My hands were almost shaking. “Do you think he means stay permanently?”
She rolled her eyes. “Obviously. Hold on, he’s texting.”
Sure enough, another message came through.
My job is portable. Home base could be anywhere.
“Natalie,” Charlee all but shrieked. “Do you realize what he’s saying?”
I realized it with every fiber of my being.
I guess we have a lot to talk about.
I showed her. Charlee nodded with approval. “Perfect.”
I guess we do.
I’d nearly said, “Coming over tonight,” instead, but something held me back. This conversation had been a game changer, and I needed to think about it. Figure things out. One weekend of wild sex did not mean Jax and I were compatible.
Yes, you are.
Even so, this wasn’t the time for wild Natalie. It was the time for measured, thoughtful, focused Natalie. I’d been down this path once before, and even a done deal wasn’t a done deal. People changed their minds. Men could be flaky. Jax came to town for one purpose...to buy that land.
“What if he just wants the land?” I whispered aloud.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Charlee said beside me.
Was it ridiculous? I thought about the weekend. Yeah, probably. I was being a goose.
See you tomorrow morning?
Bright and early.
I waited, but that was it for now. I sat back and closed my eyes, but my phone buzzed again. It was a sun emoji.
Sunshine.
It could have referred to the bright and early comment. But more likely, he meant me. Again I lay back and closed my eyes, replaying the conversation over and over in my mind.